The Tamil Nadu state government has officially accepted the draft policy for dog breeding, issuing a Government Order (G.O.) on Friday, seven months after its initial notification.

K. Gopal, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, directed the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science to notify the policy through a gazette announcement. The policy will take effect immediately upon this notification.

Key highlights of the Tamil Nadu State Dog Breeding Policy 2024 include:

  • Registration Requirement: All dogs intended for breeding must be registered with the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB), along with details of their owners.
  • Licensing: Pet owners must obtain a pet license from their local body and apply for a breeder’s license from the TNAWB. Breeders are prohibited from breeding dogs not listed in their application.
  • Source Verification: Licensed pet shops are required to procure puppies and dogs only from licensed breeders, maintaining proof of records such as health cards and copies of breeder licenses issued by the TNAWB.
  • Climate Consideration: The policy prohibits the breeding of certain dog breeds that cannot withstand the Indian climate, including Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Keeshonds, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, Norwegian Elkhounds, Tibetan Mastiffs, and Pugs. This measure was implemented following an order from the Madras High Court.

The policy aims to regulate dog breeding practices in Tamil Nadu to ensure animal welfare and adapt to local environmental conditions.

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